Components Of Successful Aging Essay

A substantial increase in the aging population in recent years has made the term “successful aging” familiar among gerontologists. As a result, a considerable amount of research has been done by the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Aging. Aging is the foreseeable faith of all humans and with it comes a progressive decline in physical, psychosocial and cognitive functioning of the body. However, successful aging slow the process of aging and results in less, not more years of disability (Vaillant & Mukamal, 2000, p. 840). Successful aging reduces the risk factors for diseases such as Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Diabetes to name a few. Yet, in order to understand what contributes to successful aging, we must look at four main components: staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, staying socially engaged, and constantly challenging yourself cognitively. Aging is an inevitable process that most people see as a negative and problem-ridden phase of life. The perception of older people is that most are limited physically. They tend to do everything much slower and are unable to perform certain task on their own. Older people are seen as being angry
First, is staying physically active. In order to age successfully one must remain active throughout their life. It is now common to see older adults exercising daily and competing in physical activities. Physical activity is said to help maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of a stroke. Also, exercising helps to keep the brain’s blood vessels opened and functioning. This helps to supply the brain with lot of oxygen which facilitates cognitive function. As stated by Jed Schenck (2011) in Teaching and the Adolescent Brain, “movement that elevates the heart rate helps to maintain brain health with the added benefit of simultaneously keeping the rest of the body healthy, too (pg.